McRobie will not contest next election

Queenstown Lakes district councillor Ross McRobie has decided to bring down the curtain at the end of his term.

He announced yesterday he would not seek re-election in this October's local government elections.

Cr McRobie, who has served one term as a councillor for the Wanaka ward, advised Mayor Jim Boult and chief executive Mike Theelan that in October he would be moving to Otematata, where he and his wife, Petrea, have long had a holiday home.

There, he intends to stand as a councillor for the Ahuriri ward in the Waitaki district in the upcoming elections, and has already signalled his intention to Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher.

Until then, he will fulfil his usual duties as a Queenstown Lakes district councillor.

In a statement, Cr McRobie said he had ''thoroughly enjoyed the diverse and unique challenges'' that had come from being a councillor since 2016 and a member of the Wanaka Community Board since 2013.

''I was a newcomer to local government and have no regrets about the decision to stand for council. I still have a lot to offer in seeing out the remainder of the term and am committed to giving it 100% until my final day.

''This role has been a big part of my life for the last two years and I am very much looking forward to the next 9 months and working with all of you to deliver some really positive changes for our district,'' he said.

He was most proud of being chairman of the 2018-28 long-term plan steering group and being a part of shaping the future of the district, which he believed would be ''truly transformational''.

Fellow councillor and Wanaka Community Board chairman Quentin Smith wished him all the best for his future endeavours and move outside the district.

''It's been a pleasure to work alongside Ross for the last couple of years and he has made a massive contribution over a 6 year period for Wanaka and the district.''

Likewise, deputy mayor Calum MacLeod said he had ''really enjoyed his input'' over the years.

''He has an ability to look beyond the now which is really good. He's honest and isn't afraid to tell you you're wrong, which I value.''